Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 19: Major traffic snarls hit National Highway 66 as repair work on the old Netravati Bridge caused hours-long delays for travellers on December 18 and 19.

Vehicles were stuck in a 5-kilometer-long queue, with many commuters — including ambulance drivers, students, and workers — facing severe disruptions as they tried to reach Mangaluru.

The chaos unfolded after a rod fell off the bridge days earlier, causing two car tires to burst. Though a potential disaster was narrowly avoided, it spurred authorities to take immediate action.

The contractor began patching up the numerous potholes, leading to single-lane traffic and further jams. Motorists heading from Kerala and Ullal to Mangaluru were forced to slow down, causing a ripple effect that delayed everyone, including railway and air passengers.

On December 19, the situation worsened, with vehicles lining up for 5 kilometers. Ambulances were blocked, and some drivers took dangerous risks by driving in the opposite lane. Authorities eventually cleared the congestion, opening up the new bridge for one-way traffic to help alleviate the crisis.

7-day repair deadline

The repair work is expected to take seven days, with the contractor hoping to complete the job earlier. During off-peak hours, the old bridge will remain open to traffic, but at peak times, vehicles will be diverted to the new bridge, according to Krishnanand K, sub-inspector, Mangaluru South traffic police station.